Edgar Mann

Early life and career

Born on 24 June 1926 in London, he was educated at the Friern Barnet Grammar School and King's College London. He went on to become a Medical Officer, a general practitioner and a Lieutenant Colonel in the RAMC, commanding field ambulances in the Territorial Army. Upon moving to the Isle of Man he became a village commissioner (similar to a parish councillor) at Laxey in 1974 before standing for the House of Keys for Garff in 1976. He was immediately appointed Chairman of various government Boards (forerunners to the Departments). In 1981 he became Chair of the Finance Board, in effect the Treasury Minister, and then in 1985 was elevated to the Legislative Council and became Chairman of the Executive Council. In 1986 the ministerial system was brought in following the General Election. Dr Mann decided to stand for the House of Keys, as he knew ministers would be expected to be democratically accountable. He also resigned his seat in the Legislative Council on the eve of the election, although this was not legally required. He was not elected, and thus lost his seat in Tynwald, despite being favoured to become the new Chief Minister. At the 1990 by-election he regained his Garff seat and held it until he was re-elevated to the Legislative Council in 1995. In 1992 he became acting Speaker of the House of Keys and in 1996 Minister of Education.

Personal life

Mann was married to Joan (née Redstone) from 1951; they had five sons and two daughters together.

Governmental positions

• Chairman of the Broadcasting Commission, 1978–80
• Member of the Executive Council of the Isle of Man, 1980–86
• Chairman of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, 1980–81
• Chairman of the Finance Board, 1981–85
• Chairman of the Financial Supervision Commission, 1983–85
• Chairman of the Executive Council, 1985–86
• Minister of Education, 1996–99.